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Jets Season Ends With Loss

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) _ Far too late for the playoffs, running back C.J. Spiller helped deliver embattled Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey a season-ending 28-9 win over the turmoil-riddled New York Jets on Sunday.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez did nothing to settle questions about his job security with another sloppy performance. Nor did he help the status of offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who’s expected to be released after one season.

Spiller had 59 yards rushing and scored on a 66-yard catch and run in a game between two AFC East rivals with no playoff implications. Safety Bryan Scott returned an interception 20 yards, while Brad Smith scored on a 4-yard run, and Tashard Choice on 13-yard run for the Bills (6-10).

Despite snapping a three-game skid with their first win in seven tries against New York, Buffalo still finished fourth in the division for a fifth straight season. Buffalo hasn’t made the playoffs for 13 straight seasons.

That’s led to questions regarding Gailey’s job status after going 16-32 in three seasons.

The Jets (6-10) and beleaguered coach Rex Ryan also enter an uncertain offseason after closing their second straight year with three consecutive losses. Since taking the Jets to successive AFC title games, Ryan has gone 14-18.

Sanchez did nothing to ease the criticism. The 2009 first-round draft pick finished 17 of 25 for 205 yards with an interception _ his 18th of the season _ and a lost fumble. He also directed an offense that once more lacked finish, settling for two field goals on three trips inside the Bills 20.

It was Sanchez’s first start in two weeks after he turned over the ball five times in a 14-10 loss at Tennessee. He got the start after third-stringer Greg McElroy complained of concussion-like symptoms on Thursday.

Down 9-7, the Bills went ahead for good when Ryan Fitzpatrick dumped a short pass over the middle to Spiller, who split defenders and then outraced them into the end zone.

The Jets trailed 14-9 at the half despite gaining more yards than Buffalo (204-132), getting more first downs (13-4) and holding a whopping edge in time of possession (23:15-6:45).